San Jose house fire critically burns two

SAN JOSE -- A man and woman suffered critical injuries in an early-morning fire Friday that is being treated as suspicious, according to a fire captain.

The man and woman got out of the house through the garage, according to San Jose fire Capt. Reggie Williams.

The blaze was reported at 3:45 a.m. on the 2900 block of Aetna Way, located near McLaughlin Avenue and Capitol Expressway. When fire crews arrived they found 20- to 30-foot flames coming from the back of the home, Williams said.

There were bars on the front door and all of the windows of the home, Williams said.

Firefighters believe the blaze started behind the home, where a patio structure collapsed in the blaze.

A pet dog and chickens died in the fire.

An arson investigator briefly visited with the burn victims and received information tied to the investigation, Williams said.

The home is being treated as a crime scene while an arson investigator works to determine if the blaze was deliberately set. Firefighters have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.